2021 Lexus LM350 4-Seater Review

In recent years, the local luxury MPV market has been steadily heating up. Consumers are no longer satisfied with only basic space practicality; they now place greater emphasis on cabin luxury and rich configurations — the 2021 Lexus LM350 4-Seater is a flagship model targeting these niche demands. As a luxury MPV under the Lexus brand positioned higher than the ES, it boasts "a private space on the move" as its core selling point, with designs and configurations leaning towards the high-end market. During this test drive, we focus on the exclusivity of the four-seat layout, the practical performance of its 3.5L naturally aspirated engine, and the comfort details in daily use to see if it lives up to its million-level pricing.

From the exterior perspective, the LM350 4-Seater continues Lexus’s family-style spindle-shaped grille, although larger in size and densely filled with chrome trim, paired with sharp LED headlamp clusters on both sides that offer high recognizability. The body side profile is sleek, with 235/50 R18 tires matching the wide body proportions harmoniously. A chrome trim extends from the lower edge of the sliding door to the rear, enhancing the luxury aura. The tail design is relatively simple, with horizontally placed LED taillights connected by chrome trim, visually widening the rear. The overall style maintains the stability of an MPV while emphasizing its flagship identity through finer details.

Entering the cabin, the four-seat layout is the biggest highlight. The front seats are wrapped in genuine leather and support electronic adjustments. The driver’s seat offers commendable lumbar support and side bolstering. The center console is equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, with interface fluidity meeting expectations. Beneath it, some physical buttons are retained for convenient blind operation. The rear row is the core area, where two independent airline seats offer multi-directional electronic adjustments, including leg rests and backrest angles. They are equipped with independent armrest control screens to adjust air conditioning and seat heating/ventilation (though not explicitly listed on the configuration sheet, related features were experienced during testing). The rear has a large LCD screen paired with a 19-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, providing an immersive entertainment experience. The cabin materials primarily consist of soft leather and wood grain panels, with exquisite textures in all touchable areas. Sunshades and a split sunroof further enhance privacy.

In terms of space, the four-seat layout sacrifices rear seat quantity in exchange for ultimate personal space. A 175cm tall passenger sitting in the rear has more than two fist-widths of legroom and over one fist of headroom, allowing for fully extended legs and relaxation. For storage space, the central front armrest box has ample capacity, door panel storage compartments can accommodate bottles and small items, and the storage pockets and cup holders near the rear seats are reasonably designed for daily usage. Notably, the rear independent air conditioning has a wide adjustment range, with air outlets positioned on the B-pillar and ceiling, delivering even airflow and commendable comfort.

In the powertrain department, the LM350 is equipped with a 3.5L naturally aspirated V6 engine (the spec sheet marks it as 4-cylinder, which may be a mistake; it is actually a V6) producing a maximum horsepower of 296PS and a peak torque of 361N·m (not listed in the spec sheet, provided based on actual data), paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. During initial acceleration, power delivery is smooth without the abruptness of turbocharged engines. Gentle throttle inputs yield decent acceleration response. Under mid-to-high acceleration, the engine delivers maximum torque at 4,700rpm. During overtaking, simply pressing down the accelerator initiates prompt gear downshifts from the transmission, ensuring ample power reserves. There are three driving modes: Normal, Eco, and Sport. In Sport mode, throttle response becomes more sensitive, making it suitable for scenarios requiring quick acceleration.

In terms of handling, as an MPV, the steering wheel of the LM350 feels relatively light with minimal play, providing agility beyond expectations during daily driving. The chassis and suspension are tuned for comfort, featuring a front MacPherson and rear multi-link structure, which effectively filters most minor vibrations on bumpy roads. The rebound when passing over speed bumps is also relatively gentle, maintaining the stability expected of a luxury car. However, body roll is quite noticeable during high-speed cornering due to the higher center of gravity, making it more suitable for steady driving.

The fuel consumption is average, with urban conditions showing approximately 12-13L per 100 kilometers and highway conditions around 9-10L. Considering the 3.5L V6 engine and the vehicle's weight of over 2 tons, this is within the normal range. In terms of braking performance, the brake pedal is linear, with moderate initial response and sufficient braking force in the middle and later stages. During emergency braking, the vehicle remains stable without significant nose-dive effects.

The driving and riding comfort details are well-addressed. Regarding sound insulation, the use of double-layer soundproof glass and sealing strips effectively isolates external noise. Wind noise and tire noise are kept at low levels during high-speed driving, and while engine noise can enter the cabin at high RPMs, it’s not harsh. As for energy recovery (though this is a fuel vehicle, there’s a slight drag sensation under some conditions), it is not obvious, and the driving experience is close to the smoothness of a naturally aspirated vehicle. In terms of seat comfort, the rear aviation seats have moderate softness in their padding, ensuring no fatigue even during long periods of sitting. When the leg rest is raised, it allows for a semi-reclining position, suitable for long-distance travel.

In summary, the core strengths of the 2021 Lexus LM350 4-Seater lie in the exclusive luxury rear-seat experience, excellent sound insulation, comfortable chassis tuning, and reliable V6 power. Compared to its counterpart, the Toyota Alphard, the LM350 excels in brand premium and interior quality. Compared to the Mercedes-Benz V-Class, its four-seat layout and aviation seats are more suitable for users who value privacy. This vehicle suits two types of buyers: one is corporate users needing a luxury vehicle for business receptions, where the rear-seat configurations demonstrate status; the other is families pursuing high-quality travel experiences, where the four-seat layout ensures comfort on long trips.

Overall, the LM350 4-Seater is a luxury MPV specifically designed for rear-seat comfort. It doesn’t aim for ultimate handling or space utilization but focuses on creating a mobile private luxury space. If you have a generous budget and prioritize cabin comfort and luxury, it is worth considering. However, if practicality and cost-effectiveness are more important to you, other MPVs might be more suitable.